Using class websites to monitor and improve learning outcomes - Part IV
What educational problem can be made less problematic through the use of which educational technology, and how?
Short answer:
Educational technology tools provide a structure that can make it easier to monitor student work and allowing for modifications to the instruction necessary to enhance student learning. Therefore, using a class website (educational technology) can make measuring learning outcomes (educational problem) less problematic.
Long answer:
Educational problem
Measuring [learning] outcomes has become a primary focus for higher education institutions in today’s competitive environment. There is a great deal of pressure from both industry and academic accreditation entities to incorporate sound assessment techniques into new courses and other educational programs. In general, a outcome-driven measurement system provides critical information to educators on how effective the design, delivery, and directing of an educational project, activity, or program actually is. Few educational institutions have a comprehensive system for measuring program results in terms of student learning outcomes. (10) committed to developing and enhancing a culture of assessment based on continuous improvement of student learning. We strive to articulate clear learning outcome expectations based on shared educational values, to design and deliver excellent educational programs that achieve the desired learning outcomes, and to continually assess and evaluate the results of our educational programs to improve their success. This is a shared responsibility among student and teacher, teacher and administrator, and the university and the broader community. University-level assessments answer the question of whether the university is meeting its goals for student learning. (11)
Using class web sites, instructors can post homework assignments, student work, conduct discussions, have students present and peers provide feedback to presentations, and so much more. The "Millennium Generation" knows how to use a computer and navigate its way through a website, so why not provide one where today's students can be published authors.
Examples for the use of class websites are class blogs and Wikis: These are some of a variety of Web 2.0 tools that are currently being implemented in the classroom.
Blogs allow for students to maintain a running dialogue, like a journal, of thoughts, ideas, and assignments that also provide for student comment and reiterative reflection.
Wikis are more group focused to allow multiple members of the group to edit a single document and create a truly collaborative and carefully edited finished product.
How can the use of a class website make measuring learning outcomes less problematic?
Research from the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) indicates, "using inquiry and project-based approaches (constructivist and connectivist), combined with a focus on curriculum (i.e., learning outcomes) effectively supports the infusion of educational technologies into the learning and teaching process." (8)
Thus, a class website is the ideal tool to help instructors measure learning outcomes!
Using class websites to monitor and improve learning outcomes - Part IV
What educational problem can be made less problematic through the use of which educational technology, and how?
Short answer:
Educational technology tools provide a structure that can make it easier to monitor student work and allowing for modifications to the instruction necessary to enhance student learning. Therefore, using a class website (educational technology) can make measuring learning outcomes (educational problem) less problematic.
Long answer:
Educational problem
Measuring [learning] outcomes has become a primary focus for higher education institutions in today’s competitive environment. There is a great deal of pressure from both industry and academic accreditation entities to incorporate sound assessment techniques into new courses and other educational programs. In general, a outcome-driven measurement system provides critical information to educators on how effective the design, delivery, and directing of an educational project, activity, or program actually is. Few educational institutions have a comprehensive system for measuring program results in terms of student learning outcomes. (10) committed to developing and enhancing a culture of assessment based on continuous improvement of student learning. We strive to articulate clear learning outcome expectations based on shared educational values, to design and deliver excellent educational programs that achieve the desired learning outcomes, and to continually assess and evaluate the results of our educational programs to improve their success. This is a shared responsibility among student and teacher, teacher and administrator, and the university and the broader community. University-level assessments answer the question of whether the university is meeting its goals for student learning. (11)
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Using class web sites, instructors can post homework assignments, student work, conduct discussions, have students present and peers provide feedback to presentations, and so much more. The "Millennium Generation" knows how to use a computer and navigate its way through a website, so why not provide one where today's students can be published authors.
Examples for the use of class websites are class blogs and Wikis: These are some of a variety of Web 2.0 tools that are currently being implemented in the classroom.
Blogs allow for students to maintain a running dialogue, like a journal, of thoughts, ideas, and assignments that also provide for student comment and reiterative reflection.
Wikis are more group focused to allow multiple members of the group to edit a single document and create a truly collaborative and carefully edited finished product.
How can the use of a class website make measuring learning outcomes less problematic?
Research from the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) indicates, "using inquiry and project-based approaches (constructivist and connectivist), combined with a focus on curriculum (i.e., learning outcomes) effectively supports the infusion of educational technologies into the learning and teaching process." (8)
Thus, a class website is the ideal tool to help instructors measure learning outcomes!
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